How to Build a New Business

[ladybug]

I am a new MT. I am trained in Medical Massage, but I also do Therapeutic massage as well. I work a full time job in another field, but my plan is to build a massage business starting out of my home on an outcall basis, and evtually build a business so that I may quit my job now. I need ideas on how to find clients. I've started having spa parties, which went over very well. I've gotten business cards and have posted them on boards, but that only does so much. I am considering passing out flyers in my neighborhood. I just need some ideas on how to get my name and services out there. I've read older threads on this board, but I am looking for some fresh ideas. Can you help me?? Thanks!!

Jen

 

[Jasmine B.]

Nothing kills enthusiasm more than the phone not ringing. That's been my experience for 2 1/2 years now... I wish I could help.

 

[27.lyn]

I have pretty much built my business on word of mouth. I have done brochures, business cards, coupons, ect. Nothing really worked all that well. I use the business cards more for a contact point now.

I have stayed away from public bulletin boards - only for the potential of getting the wrong kinds of calls. No yellow pages, no newspaper ads.

I have done lunchtime talks at a few companies and I always manage to get good business from them. Good steady clients. Chair massage and table clients.

My friends talk me up a lot as well as do most of my clients. I make sure they have brochures or cards with them.

I offer maintenance plans that have certainly sparked interest from "the budget conscience" and I have a very stable business built from them.
It is amazing how $5 off a month with keep someone coming every month. The maintenance plans differ with the committed frequency of visits. Let me know if you want to know more about them.

Have confidence in yourself and your talents and let that confidence show to others. You don't have to be overwhelming, but genuine.

 

[cheese puffs00]

Well, one thing I'd suggest just for starters is to come up with a "Welcome to My Practice" letter.

Everytime you get a new person, print it out with their name in the greeting, hand sign it and place two 1/2 price gift certificates in there for them to give to someone who will be a first time client. You should be able to put an expiration date on these as they were not purchased from you. Expire them for 6 weeks.

We're talking on another thread in this section on raising prices and if 1/2 price off offers a bad thing. In this particular instance with the "Welcome" letter, I think they especially can be good for potential clients.

We've done this for quite sometime and people do use them as a way to make it easier for clients to refer friends and family. It gives the client a "jumping off" point to start talking about our services.

Just a thought.

 

[Miguel P]

I'm thinking of having a T-Shirt printed up that says something along the lines of:

"Hands of Light"
Therapeutic Massage

Ask me about my practice
and get $10 off your first massage.

And then I make sure I wear it to the Whole Foods Market as I spend a good 1-2 hours shopping for my groceries.

 

[p0p0]

To me, somebody already said "Word of mouth'. Nothing else?

I am trying to be very creative in every sessions as well. Have
your own style in your sessions would be good, too I think. Since
I am from Tokyo, I am doing Asian style as possible which I think
make sense to all my clients. I am in CA, lots of MTs or HHP here,
that won't hurt if I am a little bit different than others?

Also, always working on real people, Hands on is always the key
to success.....well.....at least that's what I think. :roll:

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Thank you everyone for all your great ideas. It's hard not to become discouraged sometimes....I am prepared for it to take a while to build up a clientele (sp?).

Masthera---I would LOVE if you could share with me your "budget plan" for the money conscious. I find that there are more of those people than the others. Thank you!

I love the Welcome to My Practice idea. I think I might do something similar to that. I think it's a great idea to share with a friend.

I agree that you have to be creative and original. Do things that others don't do. I plan on focusing on the customer service aspect of it. I plan to call to see how they are feeling, maybe give out free samples of oil and soaking salts to help them. Give them extra time. I find in today's world, what keeps people coming back is the excellent customer service!

I welcome more suggestions. I really could use all the help and assistance I can get!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Jen

 

[Bob B]

Of course, you know that there are great threads all through this section... so definitely take the three or four weeks it would take to read through the whole thing... you'll be amazed!

Unfortunately I can't find it... but there is a thread out there that someone put a lot of work into their Welcome packet and it was really nice. Hopefully whoever that is, is reading and can link you to it. But it had info about their business, info for corp massage, info on this that and the other and I think he/she sent it out in a pretty large envelope. You might want to try to find that thread for more Welcome Packet info. We don't have too many threads regarding something like this that I recall.

We do have a number of threads on pricing and even a few on sliding scales though. So that will be a help.

I'd also suggest that as you find threads that answer your question or give you ideas, that you add the links in this one so people in the future have some great cross references.

If I find that thread on the Welcome Packet I'll post it if you don't find it first.

 

[johnsvolt]

Hi Jen,

I would like to suggest that you invest some time in business study. Because really you are trying to build a business. And there are some basic business principles that, once you learn them, can help guide you to more effetively get new clients.

Maybe visit your library and pick up some small/startup business books. Not all of the information will apply to you. But after you read a number of business and marketing books you will start to find similar things that are true for most successful businesses. And these principles will help you plan your business and marketing with more success.

You can also check out my site. The first number of pages all deal with what I consider to be essential but basic business principles as they apply to building a massage business.

Galen

 

[Kelly B]

I agree with Galen - classes do help. I took a few at the local community college that were run by the SBA - small business association.
His site is great too.

Masthera---I would LOVE if you could share with me your "budget plan" for the money conscious. I find that there are more of those people than the others. Thank you!

I offer a discount for clients who stay on a regular massage schedule.
The agreement is verbal and they either have to maintain a set-appointment, or book at each appointment. If they get out of the regular schedule they will have to pay regular price till they are back on it.

I have two levels. MP1 for 2 times a month or more and MP2 for once a month.

MP1 members receive $10 off each hour massage and $15 off each hour and a half massage
MP2 members receive $5 off each hour massage and $10 off each hour and a half massage
They can also purchase gift certificates at the same price.

I charge $70 per hour and $110 per half hour - so even with the biggest discounts: $60 per hour and $95 per hour and a half - the money is still good.

I can't say enough about how great these have worked for me. I wanted a regular clientel and a steady income. This accomplished both and the clients really understand the benefits of getting regular work. I stress making massage a regular part of your life, not just for pain relief, but for stress management also.

If you (or anyone else) has other questions about it, let me know.
Of everyone that I know here on the board who does the MP, it has worked well for them too.

 

[isl247]

Thank you again everyone! There are some excellent ideas.

Galen- you have a fantastic website from what I've seen so far. When I get some time, I will get more in depth into it. I appreciate you directing me there!

Masthera- I used your suggestion about plans and tailored it to my own. I offered a 3 pack of either 30 or 60 minutes massages for 20% off. They will need to pay their first visit and use it within 6 weeks (every other week). I think that this is giving them something, and also giving me something by having regular business and a fuller schedule.

Texasgal- The welcome packet is a great idea. I too, will look for the thread or the person who has the packet idea. After reading your suggestion, I ordered some postcards from VistaPrint to send to my new clients. I will most likely write a welcome letter and talk about my package deals.

If I missed anyone, a quick thank you...I really do read and appreciate everyones input. Thanks!

Jen

 

[Brian]

Found it!

new client package?